Kalōpā State Recreation Area

When you picture Hawaii, it’s likely that idyllic sandy beaches come to mind. And with miles and miles of beautiful coastline, this is definitely for good reason! But Hawaii is also home to loads of different ecosystems, including lush, tropical jungles abounding with wildlife. Get the best of both worlds at Kalōpā State Recreation Area, whose green forests sit right on the edge of Hawaii’s classic tropical beaches. A picturesque trail—the Kalōpā Nature Trail—winds through the park and showcases some of the Big Island’s incredible diversity of flora and fauna. This is also the perfect spot to be if you’re looking to escape the hot island heat, as much of the trail and the park is shaded by a gorgeous canopy of trees. Kalōpā is one awe-inspiring wilderness escape in the northeastern corner of the island of Hawaii.